Published On:Wednesday, August 25, 2010

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

LOCAL artist Arjuna Watson's new intimate gallery space, The Cube West, located on Blake Road will be the site of collaborative mix media exhibit, entitled Ficcanaso.

Ficcanaso will be the inaugural show for the gallery which will open September 3.

The three artists, Arjuna Watson, Edrin Symonette, and Toby Lunn have come together to provide insight on number issues such as world religion and politics.

"We have found the need for an out pouring of emotions, be it relevant to social or personal issues. It will give the viewer a "peek" into the mind of three different individuals," Edrin Symonnette told Tribune Arts.

Their aim is to spark meaningful discussion on the subject matters addressed in each of the paintings. "They want their viewers to be fascinated and they want to be questioned about their work," Gillian Watson co owner of the Cube West gallery said.

Arjuna Watson, who has a knack for portraits and nudity paintings, has taken a different bend in Ficcanaso. Most of his work showcased in previous shows featured portraits and nude paintings. For this, he has worked on a number collages and mixed media pieces that he said are emotionally charging.

One collage in particular addresses the fear and anxiety faced by many during an economic decline. Some of his work was inspired by street art, posters and ads.

"In my past exhibits I have painted a lot of nudity, and pieces of the human figure. I wanted to do some collages because I don't want to get stuck in one art genre," Arjuna Watson said.

In pieces he has used acrylic, spray paint, cardboard, canvas plywood, enamel, sail cloth, stencils and paper.

Edrin Symonette also told Tribune Arts that he too, has given his personal interpretation of the controlling idea of Ficcinaso.

"Some social, some personal, some spiritual. The show encompasses a variety of insights based on the painter and his viewers.

He also said along with the theme there are a variety of factors that has influence his work.

"A number of things, in terms of techniques various artists, and their execution of various themes. On an inspirational level, many of my paintings were painted directly from my mind, my emotions, my current life and the ones directly involved in it."

Mr Symonette said he is excited to hear feedback from viewers. "I'm excited about all of my pieces, am interested in seeing what people think of my work. I am hoping to give viewers a look into my mind, and a look at the work that I produced," Mr Symonette said.

He also shared his ideas on the new gallery. "It allows for a very informal showing of work. It creates a sense of intimacy between artist and viewer, especially since the show's title speaks of someone being 'noisy', it is perfectly suited for the event."

Gillian Watson said Cube West is not formal because their intent is to create lasting relationships with audiences.

"We want our audience to tell us what they like and what they do not like and it was the idea behind making Cube West as intimate as possible," she said.

The show is from at 6pm-9pm.